Shopping for Clothes Sucks

I took Victor’s daughter to Forever 21 Saturday to shop for summer clothes. (A moment to jump up and down please! Moving on.) We were there for two hours as she tried on different bathing suits, shorts, and cropped tops with cute phrases. To pass the time, I decided to try on two bras that looked cute. AND (shocker!) they were my size.

I probably don’t need to elaborate on how the bras may have been my “size” but were in no way created to actually accommodate the bust of a grown woman. But good on Forever 21 for appearing to make clothing for those of us who are “plus size.”

Last month I sang with the Knoxville Opera’s production of Tosca and to my surprise, the costume was labeled “Small/Medium.” It’s the first time since middle school that I wore a size that small. I’m so out of touch with retail shopping that I have no clue where to begin.

I walked through the store as women of all ages – tweens to much older than me – looked around desperate for something that fit them, both stylistically and physically. I overheard young women critque each other’s bodies, scrutinize their forms, and walk out both pleased and utterly dejected.

Luckily, I was with a teenager completely comfortable in her own skin. Everytime she showed me a bathing suit or outfit she had a smile on her face. I’m super thankful she hasn’t yet bought into the crap women are fed about their “body flaws.” And I was encouraged to continue my vow to make my own clothing.